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Young SMEs subsidy scheme - Knowledge Alliance Rhine-Waal
Published on 03 December 2018
Germany
Düsseldorf
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About this good practice
The Knowledge Alliance Rhine-Waal aims to strengthen the cooperation of entrepreneurs, unis and research institutions on both sides of the German-Dutch border. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5_ReUvNTU0)
It focuses particularly on young research-intensive companies and entrepreneurial students. It supports the development of new products, provides assistance to both entrepreneurs and students and simplifies the search for partners, labs and research institutions on both sides of the border.
The "Young SMEs subsidy scheme" is one initiative of the Knowledge Alliance. It fosters innovation in young enterprises with grants of max. 70% and max. 70 k€ which are awarded to young enterprises from both side of the German-Dutch border working together on the realisation of innovative products.
Working in these innovation projects, the students acquire entrepreneurial skills in an international context. An entrepreneurship-toolbox for lecturers in universities was developed and implemented to provide guidance for the students; additionally, training programmes, such as the iGarage and entrepreneurship classes offer the young entrepreneurs coaching their innovation process.
A Science Compass set up through the project cooperations gives users an overview over top expertise, contacts and facilities from the border region in several scientific fields.
It focuses particularly on young research-intensive companies and entrepreneurial students. It supports the development of new products, provides assistance to both entrepreneurs and students and simplifies the search for partners, labs and research institutions on both sides of the border.
The "Young SMEs subsidy scheme" is one initiative of the Knowledge Alliance. It fosters innovation in young enterprises with grants of max. 70% and max. 70 k€ which are awarded to young enterprises from both side of the German-Dutch border working together on the realisation of innovative products.
Working in these innovation projects, the students acquire entrepreneurial skills in an international context. An entrepreneurship-toolbox for lecturers in universities was developed and implemented to provide guidance for the students; additionally, training programmes, such as the iGarage and entrepreneurship classes offer the young entrepreneurs coaching their innovation process.
A Science Compass set up through the project cooperations gives users an overview over top expertise, contacts and facilities from the border region in several scientific fields.
Expert opinion
The “Young SMEs subsidy scheme” is a good example of an SME support instrument focusing on multiple pillars. The funding scheme is specifically aimed at young research-intensive companies and entrepreneurial students. Cross-regional collaboration is ensured through the funding criteria. To support these new cooperation projects a specific guideline was produced for university lecturers and additional training and coaching support was provided.
The evidence of success show that the funded projects have been successful on many fronts including product development, cross-border cooperation and employment growth.
This practice could be of interest to other policy makers seeking to set up SME support instruments for students and research-intensive young companies.
The evidence of success show that the funded projects have been successful on many fronts including product development, cross-border cooperation and employment growth.
This practice could be of interest to other policy makers seeking to set up SME support instruments for students and research-intensive young companies.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
1.5 mio. € budget for the "Young SMEs subsidy scheme";
4.5 mio. € total budget for the "Knowledge Alliance Rhine-Waal"
4.5 mio. € total budget for the "Knowledge Alliance Rhine-Waal"
Evidence of success
15 Projects implemented; 1.4 M€ of 1.5M€ Budget for the Young SMEs scheme used; many young entrepreneurs gained CBC experiences; region presented itself as start-up region.
4 projects resulted in new market products; 2 projects improved SME's product range; 5 Innovative products still in development; 80%SME survival rate (comparable survival rate in peer group is 67%); 2 firms started Joint venture; 5 of 15 SMEs still active in CBC; 1 SME completely internationalised; 6 had employment growt
4 projects resulted in new market products; 2 projects improved SME's product range; 5 Innovative products still in development; 80%SME survival rate (comparable survival rate in peer group is 67%); 2 firms started Joint venture; 5 of 15 SMEs still active in CBC; 1 SME completely internationalised; 6 had employment growt
Potential for learning or transfer
Essential points for the "Young SMEs subsidy scheme" to stimulate cross-border Innovation, cross-border cooperation, internationalisation and Innovation in young SMEs in the context of Interreg A are the following points:
- a relatively high subsidy rate (e.g. max 70% and max 70K€)
- offering assitance in writing project proposals
- offering assistance in finding a relevant partner in the neighbouring country
- a short term application procedure
- a clear grant system
- a good jury judging the projects' innovativeness, business and entrepreneurship qualities
After the subsidy has been granted, a support and control System is needed (a) for carrying out the project and (b) for the right application and implementation of the subsidy scheme.
- a relatively high subsidy rate (e.g. max 70% and max 70K€)
- offering assitance in writing project proposals
- offering assistance in finding a relevant partner in the neighbouring country
- a short term application procedure
- a clear grant system
- a good jury judging the projects' innovativeness, business and entrepreneurship qualities
After the subsidy has been granted, a support and control System is needed (a) for carrying out the project and (b) for the right application and implementation of the subsidy scheme.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Euregio Rhine-Waal
Germany
Köln
Contact
Project Coordinator